Tuesday, December 26, 2017

Can We Be Content Amidst Christmas Changes?


Can We Be Content Amidst Christmas Changes?

Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein be content.”

Helen Keller

C hristmas may look different this year
H
oping and praying for the best for you
A
ngels surround you and your home
N
o glory given but to Him, our Lord
G
reater things He will do than you ever dreamed
E
ternity will reveal things that were hidden here on earth.
S o be happy be blessed this Christmas season.

 

Let your complications and changes help you to be content this Christmas season.

 

C hrist’s birth should make us content

O nly in Him will we find relief; mentioning God’s goodness every day

N ot in people, places or things

T hanksgiving every day

E verlasting love is ours through Him, enduring hard times even with the chaos and complications of life

N ever alone or forsaken, never giving up

T reating people with kindness; there is always enough love to go around

 

Is your Christmas going to be complicated or contented? As with most things in life, the choice may lie within us. I think the word for today could be complications; families are complicated, some are hurting, sad, broken yet our Lord is Lord over the complications. This we will believe in our darkest night of the soul, in the most complicated issues, in the wildest storm, You Jesus Christ our God and Father are Lord over the complications. You know the beginning from the end, the Alpha and Omega, the beautiful pattern of tapestry. Why would we think we can go through life pain-free when you suffered ultimately? Though it doesn't make us feel good to go through things, we know we have fellowship with Your suffering. We will believe the report of the Lord today that this is the day that He has made and in that we can find some small thing to rejoice in.

 

Everyone reading this has the gift of life, everyone reading this is able to find someone to bless in some small way, if not a large way, everyone reading this can be thankful for something today. If we have lost family members thank the Lord for those we have left, if we are in pain in one part of our body, thank the Lord for the parts that don't hurt, if we don't have an abundance of provision thank the Lord for what we do have. It's a "give thanks" day if we think about the great gift given this season. Christmas is a time of gift giving as we think about the best, most precious gift of the Man, Jesus Christ our Lord, being given to us. What do you do if you don't really feel like you have a gift to give, a song to sing or a light to shine?  Pray for contentment amidst the changes, complications and chaos of life.

Merry Christmas from Donna Collins Tinsley 2017  

Praying for your family strong this day, to be in peace and contentment.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bK8xB1opuQ8

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

IT’S BEEN A LANDSLIDE AROUND HERE THIS YEAR!


IT’S BEEN A LANDSLIDE AROUND HERE THIS YEAR!
 

Recently I had about a two-month bout with sickness. I guess with not being able to do what I want lately, it makes me reflect on “changes” in life. One thing I see is life changes daily and if I can’t change with it, I’ll become inflexible. I may become something or a type of person I don’t want to become or someone that no one wants to be around.

I’ve had to change some things and some dreams and even give some up. What worked years ago, won’t work now. Even Christmas celebrations.

With my health and Bill’s chronic pain even getting the house decorated hasn’t happened yet. Bill works so hard and I keep thinking there is a better way for him, that something is going to change; he cannot continually do the physical work of his business. Something can change in a moment with Jesus. The Lord wants us to fulfill the destiny that Christ had in mind for for all of us before the foundation of the earth.  For this I pray.

Change comes. Change hurts, sometimes. Change must occur for help to come. A phrase I use a lot it seems is “Nothing changes if nothing changes.”  It’s recovery related and can mean, if you keep doing the same old things expecting different results, it’s not going to happen. Change is essential to life. And life as we know it, will never be the same, it seems. But it can be better in Jesus name.

Even old traditions like the Grandkid’s Gathering, or my pre-Christmas celebration with them is changing. Years ago, when they were little it consisted of a sleepover, and a few times, a Christmas Scavenger hunt where we collected food for the needy. I think those things were more for me, than them, but we can still look back and rekindle those good memories. When it’s all been said and done memories may be the only things that don’t change.

This year instead of a night gathering for the grandkids, we will do brunch, as Aubrey works at night. (Give her a holler at Olive Garden Daytona). I’m storming my brain for something fun and Christmas related to do besides eat. We can’t go look at Christmas lights, that’s for sure, unless they want to stay until the evening to do that and I’m cool with that.

Having been sick for about eight weeks now, I find I have to pace myself. Even a little outing may take the energy out of me for a day afterward. Right now, I’m breathing in scented Frankincense oil in a diffuser, (even anointed myself with it again as Shiloh did recently) running a Himalayan Salt lamp to clean the air and praying that the Lord will cleanse my system of any residual infection of  the pneumonia /bronchitis. And I’m listening to a song about changes.
 

Oh, mirror in the sky
What is love
Can the child within my heart rise above
Can I sail through the changing ocean tides
Can I handle the seasons of my life~~~

Well, I've been afraid of changing
'Cause I've built my life around you
But time makes you bolder
Even children get older

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O6IA4U09qQo

The title of the song is LANDSLIDE and maybe that’s another word for this year. I relate to the lyrics of building my life around my children but children do get older and so do old moms.  Lord, be my mirror in the sky and show me how to maneuver the seasons of my life. Give us a season of grace this year and although not picture perfect, a semblance of family. A family dreamed of with love and covered continually with prayer regardless.

A verse to pray and hold on to. I don't remember ever seeing this version of the verse: Matthew 19:26 MSG

 [26] Jesus looked hard at them and said, "No chance at all if you think you can pull it off yourself. Every chance in the world if you trust God to do it."

Matthew 19:26 Amplified Bible (AMP)

 But Jesus looked at them and said, “With people [as far as it depends on them] it is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Sunday, November 5, 2017

Congratulations to the new youth ministers at Family Worship Center, Decision Youth Group

Sometimes we forget to praise the Lord for the success stories, the answered prayers that come about even though there is trauma and drama in the family. Here's mine concerning our daughter Shiloh Tinsley Gaffka:

 I'm so proud of Pastor Brian and Pastor Shiloh Gaffka, the new youth ministers at Decision Youth Group at Family Worship Center. Y'all rock! Mentored by the very best: Pastors John and Cathy Mazza. That's one anointed mantle to pass on. May a double portion be upon them and the Blood of Jesus cover them.

 May the Lord answer you, Shiloh and Brian, when you are in distress;
    may the name of the God of Jacob protect you.
May he send you help from the sanctuary
    and grant you support from Zion.
 May he remember all your sacrifices
    and accept your burnt offerings.
May he give you the desire of your heart
    and make all your plans succeed.
 May we shout for joy over your victory
    and lift up our banners in the name of our God.
May the Lord grant all your requests.
 Now this I know:
    The Lord gives victory to his anointed.
He answers him from his heavenly sanctuary
    with the victorious power of his right hand.
 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
    but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
 They are brought to their knees and fall,
    but we rise up and stand firm.
Lord, give victory to the king!
    Answer us when we call! Psalm 20 (NIV)
 
We are so happy this day has come in your life, that the hopes and dreams to fulfill your destiny in the Lord is here!
We are so proud of y'all and bless the Lord who put y'all together and continues to refresh your love and ministry.
May compassion for the youth and their families fill your hearts and strong wisdom come from our Lord Jesus Christ.
May He shine upon you both in every way, and give you wisdom beyond your years.
The threefold cord will not be broken and He will fulfill your innermost desires.
The Lord is good and His mercy is surely everlasting to Shiloh and Brian.
 
We love you,
Mom and Dad November 5th, 2017

Thursday, October 26, 2017

NOTHING CHANGES, IF NOTHING CHANGES!

Good morning People! It's Thursday and a great day for recovery in the state of Florida. Go to a meeting, spread some love and hope and work your program! Make a gratitude list and truly think about what you are writing down and what you have to be grateful for, we ask for grace today as we pray for those in recovery and their families:
Remember NOTHING CHANGES, IF NOTHING CHANGES! And the Bible says if we go back to what we've been delivered from it can be seven times worse than before. Only God. Only Jesus, Only the Holy spirit is going to turn you around if you keep playing around with what can only bring physical and spiritual death. Someone needs to read this and know this today.
Just as there is no "one way" to recovery, there is no one way to be their family, either. My motto is "Do what you can live with." Some days I can live with what would be entirely impossible to live with for an entire life. That's why we do it one day at a time. In my case and many others it's with the Lord. So let His praise ever be on our lips this day as we pray for those in a recovery walk and those who need to be. Open their eyes to reality and that there is always help available if they want to be well.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJpAZgXg7x0
Cool blog I found: Manage
https://www.recoveryfarmhouse.com/addiction-manage-by-chri…/
By Chris Joubert
“The reason society is more focused on drug and alcohol addiction is because these addictions are less forgiving. Meaning, the consequences of these addictions are too serious to ignore or to minimize. They are chaotic and ultimately, life threatening.
The main question we might ask is why people get themselves into addiction predicaments. Many times it starts off with ignorance and/or social pressures and/or health issues. But then, why is it so hard to break free once we are hooked? We might argue that it has become a physical, chemical and/or habitual prospect. The question then might arise; why would someone who had been clean for a long time, go back to illicit drugs or alcohol, knowing what it will do to them, and their loved ones? Interestingly enough, should you present this question to any person in the relapse predicament, they will have many arguments and excuses but will eventually relent to admitting ‘I don’t know’. I think we are ready to admit and realize that there must be a silent force behind addiction, there must be! I have learned that anything that we do, that does not make sense to our natural thinking, and overwrites our logic and inelegance, is spiritual.
Secular ideas and strategies are based on physical consequences and observations; it is an attempt to fix the problem from the outside in, but actually, addiction must be fixed from the inside out. It is remarkably similar to an infection. We can say that addiction is an infection of the soul. In my experience ALL addictions pivots on these realities.
Since we are on the subject of infections, let us discover whether addiction is a disease. The popular notion these days is that addiction is a disease. Has this idea been given the necessary study and thought?
A disease, in its literal sense is a diagnosable condition with a physical cause. Having or being infected by a disease has nothing to do with choice whatsoever. Addiction is better defined as voluntary slavery. Disease serves best as a metaphor to addiction; it highlights the way we can feel controlled by something other than our own will. We can thus say that addiction is LIKE a disease and not be fooled by the general assertion that addiction IS a disease. The AA them self’s identifies that we need the help of a “higher power”.
Most, if not all addicts, describe their drug addiction as an intimate relationship with their drug of choice. This drug means everything to them. It is closer to them than
their own breath. They are ready to sacrifice anything and anybody for their next hit. There is no limit to what they will venture in order to support their addiction. Many institutions describe this relationship between the drug and the addict as a “Romeo and Juliet” phenomenon.”

Sunday, September 24, 2017

She’s Dancing with the Stars, A tribute to Emily Gaines Tinsley


My mother-in-law, Mom Tinsley, passed away on Monday at the age of 97. She was the mom who adopted Bill and his twin, Happy/AKA Debbie. So those who know Edie, my other mother-in-law, don’t panic. I was blessed to have a very good relationship with her, and she jokingly called me her “favorite” daughter-in-law, since I was her only one. She was always very affirming to me, even telling me I was beautiful with wet hair and no makeup, after swimming in the lake. As said by so many others, she endeared people with her Southern charm of calling them “Sweetheart” “Darling” and “Honey.” She was a wonderful, supportive wife, mother and grandmother. Her legacy will live on.

 

One thing we shared in common was a love of dancing, although she could dance circles around me and so many others. When she became a widow, she had boyfriends galore and she went out dancing often until at age 91, when she fell and broke her shoulder. Her quality of life after that was not what she was used to. I hated to see her reduced to just sitting, watching the television instead of living life to the fullest as she had before. Up until she was no longer able to drive she drove people to church, doctor’s appointments and was even a Christian counselor going to school, I think in her eighties, to get a Master’s degree. But the “Master’s Degree” that was most important to her was the one that said, Jesus is my Lord and Master. She had a prayer book with pictures in it of those who she was praying for and her prayers helped many people along the way. She made people feel loved and happy and that was truly her gift to the world.

 

Monday September 18th I felt that the Lord wanted me to spend the day in Orlando, being at her side with her since Bill, Teresa and Frances had to work and Tina lives in Georgia. She had come through the surgery on Friday for her hip and the surgery on Sunday for a broken wrist well. Her daughter, Happy had flown in from Tennessee and wanted a ride over to the hospital and strangely, when normally my schedule doesn’t always allow for a day trip, all was good.

 

It was a long, bittersweet day and I’m not going to go into details, but it ended with her passing on into her heavenly home. After I returned home, I was wound up and turned on the television. The blast from the speakers said, “And this is Dancing with the Stars,” which was one of her favorite programs. I knew it was a special sign for me that she was dancing with Jesus.

 

She’s Dancing with the Stars 

 

Emily Gaines Tinsley showed us how to dance with her life,

And how to dance through life and do it well.

Her eyes, her countenance, her joy as she danced through life showed us first:

A little girl

A fun loving sister,

A young bride,

A loving mother,

A faithful daughter of our

Lord Jesus Christ.

 

All these things were there

In her eyes and life journey.

She communicated so well

With her beautiful blue eyes,

But also with the way

She danced through life.

She personified grace and mercy.

She was a sweet grandmother

A woman passionate

About her family and friends.

 

 “I’m ready to go,” she said to Teresa

On Friday, before her operation.

“You’re going home, Mama”

 

A few days later, her eyes portrayed

A new desire, “Set me free, Lord

To dance before You

At Your Majestic throne!

I’ve been in this old body

Way too long.

 

 

The Lord looked into those beautiful blue eyes

And said,

“Come my daughter, it’s your time.

You’ll not only be dancing with the stars,

You’ll be dancing with the One who flung them into heaven.”

 

(Donna Collins Tinsley in celebration of Emily Gaines Tinsley’s life 1920-2017)


 
Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things;
         Let this be known throughout the earth.
 Cry aloud and shout for joy, O Emily,
         For great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel.

 Isaiah 12:4-6

 

To me, this quote by Mother Teresa of Calcutta sums up her life story and walk.

"Be kind and merciful. Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be a loving expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile, kindness in your warm greeting. To children, to the poor, to all who suffer and are lonely, give always a happy smile. Give them not only your care, but your heart." Mother Teresa of Calcutta

 

E ver loved by her family even

M ore as each year passed

I ndescribably beautiful

L atter years were peaceful

Y outhful in ways and looks always.

 

T houghtful

I n the ways of the Lord she walked

N eeded and cared for

S hine on, dear one

L ovely in ways and deeds

E xuberant and happy with dancing feet

Y ears of joy have been given. (Donna Collins Tinsley)

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

Praying for single parents today; the cross has made you flawless!

Having a family and being a family can be a bumpy ride with bruises and scars. Amazing grace can remedy what we can't as mere humans. That's what the cross is all about; turning very flawed people into flawless by the blood of Jesus. The lyrics to this song say it all today and we pray that it lift your spirits. We pray that families will grow strong, powerful, full of mercy and love and that they be healed, restored, and grow together. We know there are many unspoken heart cries and hurts and we know that You, Jesus, hear those cries, mend those wounds and bind up those sorrows.
Praying extra for single parents today and their children. We ask, Lord, that You meet all needs and send journeymates for wisdom and relief at times. We also hold up those in authority over us and pray for our policemen, military and firemen.. All are welcome to put requests on as led by the Lord. We hold each other up, together we are strong.
No matter the bumps
No matter the bruises
No matter the scars
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
No matter the hurt
Or how deep the wound is
No matter the pain
Still the truth is
The cross has made
The cross has made you flawless
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZ7EyPTOltw

Saturday, August 19, 2017

The sound of Heaven touching Earth explodes as we pray for those who grieve


The sound of Heaven touching Earth...there is the sound of heaven touching earth as we pray on Saturdays for those who have lost loved ones to death. Angels surround the ones left behind. They pray, they remember, they long for that precious one. Anita Smith once said that any parent who's lost a child will make sure their hearts are right before the Lord that they may see them again in heaven. The thing about Saturday’s prayer is there is always a family experiencing the death of a family member somewhere.

Grief has no timetable, each one processes differently, some stay numb with a holy numbness I believe, for a while, then it overwhelms them, just when other may say they should be "over it." Don't judge, just love and have an open ear and open arms. For those whose grave sites are fresh we pray for strength for this day and hope for the future as you remember all the good memories in your mind.

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

Spirit Break Out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_TOOXRpn8w

 Our Father, all of Heaven roars Your name

Sing louder, let this place erupt with praise

Can you hear it, the sound of Heaven touching Earth

The sound of Heaven touching Earth

Sunday, August 6, 2017

I Want to be Your Cheerleader!

 I Want to be Your Cheerleader!
 “Two, four, six, eight, who do we appreciate?” might’ve been a cheer you’ve heard over the years. When you think of a cheerleader, who do you think of? One of Isaiah’s favorite programs is The Goldberg’s, which has a mom who can only be described as The Cheerleader for her children. Right or wrong, she is strong in their court and I think that is why she is every young man’s dream mom. Me, not so. I’m more for do what’s right, do it right and do it when I tell you to do it.
But I heard Pastor Cathy Mazza say recently that at home, she is trying not to be so critical to her kids, not reminding her kids what they need to do or didn’t do, but she is learning to be their cheerleader.
What a sweet concept! A cheerleader!  I’d love to be that kind of person to not only my husband, children and grandchildren but to the world in general. Maybe that’s what the world needs now, although the song What the World Needs Now is Love is pretty relevant, what we all really need is a cheerleader; a journeymate who can inspire us to keep pressing on. Wouldn’t that be great? Come on, now, let’s hear it for the home team, your home team of people in your family that you love. Rah, Rah, Sis Boom Bah, let’s hear it for our kids, friends and loved ones!
Cheering involves the uttering or making of sounds and may be used to encourage, excite to action, indicate approval, or welcome says Wikipedia. The term “sis boom bah*” is a term popular in U.S. high school and college cheers. It was used by Johnny Carson's character Carnac the Magnificent.
I think perhaps Jesus could be called the Ultimate Cheerleader.  In the prayer titled, “Jesus Prays for All Believers” He prays something we can pray, that all who believe through His prayers and testimony may be one, so that the world around us can see that God sent Him. That we will walk in unity and that people will know that they are loved. And how about when he encouraged Peter to get out of that boat and actually walk on water?
 “My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me. I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one—I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.
He cheers us on through prayer and that is something we all can attain to do.  We pray each day that we can encourage, that we can love, and that we can press on in a world that is often conflicted. We can pray for those who are hurting, those who need healing and those who feel alone, sometimes through their own isolation.
Paul was a great cheerleader, also, in fact the whole first chapter of Ephesians cheers us on.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
 
In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.
 
For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers.  I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way. Ephesians 1
Paul also was so sweet in writing to Philemon saying, “Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, “Oh, thank you, God!” I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers.” If that doesn’t cheer someone on or cheer someone up, I can’t imagine what would.
The Psalms are full of cheers:
“I love you, God—
    you make me strong.
God is bedrock under my feet,
    the castle in which I live,
    my rescuing knight.
My God—the high crag
    where I run for dear life,
    hiding behind the boulders,
    safe in the granite hideout.
I sing to God, the Praise-Lofty,
    and find myself safe and saved.” (from Psalms 18 The Message)
So I encourage you to join me in becoming a cheerleader, cheer people in your life on, look up verses and cling to them. Rah, Rah, Sis Boom Bah, it will do your own heart good! You may find the encouragement you gave away to someone made their day. I guarantee that you will be cheered up also.
Shouting it from the Rooftops: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-gLdIO5G-Q
*sis-boom-bah
cheerleading chant, originally (1867) an echoic phrase imitating the sound of a skyrocket flight ( sis), the burst of the fireworks ( boom), and the reaction of the crowd ( (b)ah).

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Monday, July 31, 2017

The Beautiful Gate of Prayer and a Helping Hand Acts 3:1-7 or I Get by With a Little Help of my Friends


The Beautiful Gate of Prayer and a Helping Hand Acts 3:1-7

This is one of my favorite scriptures and stories. I like this verse best and have felt it can apply to so many things in our lives.

Then Peter said, “Silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.”

One thought is, I can't help you with money but what I can do is pray for you. You don't have to be down on the ground, you have support and help in the name of Jesus and your prayer partners. Get up! Get going! You are blessed! You have more and You are more than someone who is sitting crippled with afflictions and pain. 

“Taking him by the right hand, he helped him up, and instantly the man’s feet and ankles became strong.”

When we take the hand of a hurting mother, father, son or daughter we help them up and towards their true calling of life and health and love. We can't do it for them but we can give them a helping hand up. Point them to resources. Tell them they can do it. We don't enable by doing it all for them; we encourage them that they will find the answers and help they need at the time of their greatest need.

Praying for families today to be strengthened in the Holy Spirit and to be provided for in every way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_TOOXRpn8w

Here is the story in the Message version.

 Acts 3:1-7

One day at three o'clock in the afternoon, Peter and John were on their way into the Temple for prayer meeting. At the same time there was a man crippled from birth being carried up. Every day he was set down at the Temple gate, the one named Beautiful, to beg from those going into the Temple. When he saw Peter and John about to enter the Temple, he asked for a handout. Peter, with John at his side, looked him straight in the eye and said, "Look here." He looked up, expecting to get something from them.

Peter said, "I don't have a nickel to my name, but what I do have, I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk!" He grabbed him by the right hand and pulled him up. In an instant his feet and ankles became firm. He jumped to his feet and walked.  The man went into the Temple with them, walking back and forth, dancing and praising God. Everybody there saw him walking around and praising God. They recognized him as the one who sat begging at the Temple's Gate Beautiful and rubbed their eyes, astonished, scarcely believing what they were seeing.

 The man threw his arms around Peter and John, ecstatic. All the people ran up to where they were at Solomon's Porch to see it for themselves.

 

 A blast from the past:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nCrlyX6XbTU

Monday, July 17, 2017

Praying for Families today


It’s Monday and we pray for families today; strong families, intact families, dysfunctional families, happy and sad families today. Even hot mess families. You’ve got to fit into one of those categories, and guess what? The Lord loves you all with an everlasting love.

I would love to live with no regrets, show me how to do this Lord. Show me how to let go and let You do the impossible with people in my life. Nothing is impossible with You. Each one praying can insert the name of the loved one or situation and say Lord, __________ is not impossible with You. You are the God of Possibilities, OUR GREAT HOPE AND HELP!

You may be a mother with a family member that you don't think will ever get out of the pit they are in. Don't give up. Find a verse and cling to it. All your children will be taught of the Lord and great will be the peace of your children. Praying every day, in every way for you:)

Fix us, Jesus, please and let us live to ever serve You. Put our families on a path that You can bless and humble the hardhearted in Jesus name we pray. Let’s not only worship today, but praise Him with the dance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RjNcOqwpRk&list=PL7E3299D433960258&index=67/3

Somebody's Mother Online Prayer Support Group,
https://www.facebook.com/groups/119408188089314/
 

Saturday, July 15, 2017

Praying today and every day for you


Good Morning Family,

 I'm dedicating Saturdays to prayers for those who have lost loved ones to death. Many among us have lost loved ones, mates, parents, children and young adult children. The most unnatural thing in the world they say is burying your child. Lord, send your strong father arms of comfort to those who are grieving. And for those grieving the death of a dream, we pray also.

 We are reminded that there will be a day, don't miss this song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gtud5pvF08A

 Max Lucado says in Grace for the Moment:

In the Arms of God

We don’t like to say good-bye to those whom we love. Whether it be at school or at the cemetery, separation is tough. It is right for us to weep, but there is no need for us to despair. They had pain here; they have no pain there. They struggled here. They have no struggles there. You and I might wonder why God took them home. But they don’t. They understand. They are, at this moment, at peace in the presence of God……When it is cold on earth we can take comfort in knowing that our loved ones are in the warm arms of God. And when Christ comes, we will hold them too.

Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die New Living Translation
 
(©2007).https://www.facebook.com/groups/119408188089314/
 
 

Monday, July 10, 2017

He's an On-Time God!


I believe He is still an “On-time God” even when the way looks hard and barren and hope seems far away.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6fA35Ved-Y

“No prayer is lost. Praying breath was never spent in vain. There is no such thing as prayer unanswered or unnoticed by God, and some things that we count refusals or denials are simply delays.”--H. Bonar

 On Mondays we pray for our families and extended family. Some of us are in times of transition and questioning why our loved ones go through what they are going through. Some need help for grief, some need provision and jobs. There are times and seasons for all things and our seasons are in the hands of the Lord. We pray especially for those in authority and for those grieving for lost loved ones. Lord, send wisdom, protection and help.

The Morning Prayer comes from Cecil Murphey: “Ever-wise and ever-loving God, thank You for not letting me choose the season. If I had my choice, I’d learn only the easy lessons. Remind me that there are difficult and painful things I need for my growth. You know what I need long before I figure it out. You choose so that I’ll become more Christlike and loving. Amen.” Cecil Murphey

“I wonder if that's the secret of changing people. If we focus on being who we are and refuse to let another's attitude upset us, we might actually change them.” Cecil Murphey

Ending with a quote to knock your socks off: “Loving God show me the truth about myself, no matter how wonderful it may be.” Cecil Murphey

Thursday, July 6, 2017

Another version of The Chain Breaker video; don't miss it!

Good morning People! It's Thursday and a great day for recovery in the state of Florida. Go to a meeting, spread some love and hope and work your program! Make a gratitude list and truly think about what you are writing down and what you have to be grateful for, we ask for grace today as we pray for those in recovery and their families.

This is one of my favorite parts in the book, “From Survival to Recovery”:
If we willingly surrender ourselves to the spiritual discipline of the Twelve Steps, our lives will be transformed. We will become mature, responsible individuals with a great capacity for joy, fulfillment, and wonder. Though we may never be perfect, continued spiritual progress will reveal to us our enormous potential. We will discover that we are both worthy of love and loving. We will love others without losing ourselves, and will learn to accept love in return. Our sight, once clouded and confused, will clear and we will be able to perceive reality and recognize truth. Courage and fellowship will replace fear. We will be able to risk failure to develop new, hidden talents.

 Our lives, no matter how battered and degraded, will yield hope to share with others. We will begin to feel and will come to know the vastness of our emotions, but we will not be slaves to them. Our secrets will no longer bind us in shame. As we gain the ability to forgive ourselves, and our families and the world, our choices will expand.

With dignity we will stand for ourselves, but not against our fellows. Serenity and peace will have meaning for us, as we allow our lives and the lives of those we love to flow day by day with God’s ease, balance and grace. No longer terrified, we will discover we are free to delight in life’s paradox, mystery, and awe. We will laugh more. Fear will be replaced by faith, and gratitude will come naturally as we realize that our Higher Power is doing for us what we cannot do for ourselves. (From Survival to Recovery)

This video: Oh my Lord!  don't miss it; another version of The Chain Breaker. I'm posting separate and with prayer post so those who need it will see it. Many moms will relate to this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cd_xxmXdQz4